A tense situation was reported at the entrance of the Yala National Park today following a heated argument between registered and non-registered safari jeep drivers, it was reported.
According to the Yala Safari Jeep Owners’ Association, an argument had erupted over the Wildlife Department’s annual registration process.
The Wildlife Department has approved registrations of a total of 551 safari jeeps, while an additional 40 new safari jeeps are awaiting registration.
Registered safari jeeps, assigned identification numbers to be displayed on their vehicles, are allowed to enter the park without trackers using a special licence, due to a shortage of trackers.
However, the newly registered safari jeeps are yet to be assigned trackers.
As per park regulations, safari jeep drivers who have not undergone proper training are not permitted to enter the park without a tracker, but the 40 new safari jeep drivers had entered the park without trackers.
This had led to an argument between the registered and new safari jeep owners leading to a decision to remove all identification stickers from registered safari jeeps. (Islandnews)
